Schottel adds rim thruster to product portfolio

JUNE 4, 2012 — Schottel GmbH has extended its product line by adding a series of four rim-driven thruster sizes (200-800 kW) to its portfolio.

Aimed at the OSV, superyacht and inland waterway vessel sectors, the Schottel Rim Thruster (SRT) offers reduced noise and vibration, high efficiency, savings in space and weight as well as eco-friendliness, which Schottel identifies as important requirements to be met by thrusters for vessels frequently operating in DP mode, or whenever comfort is of maximum importance.

The SRT is an electrically operated thruster system without a gearbox and propeller shaft. The stator of the electric motor is integrated into the outer part of a tunnel. Blades are attached to the inside of the rotor. The result, says Schottel, is a quiet, space- and weight-saving drive capable of transmitting the electric power directly into propulsion - without transmission losses and noise caused by a gear box. The optimized hydrodynamic design with the blades inside leads to a considerable reduction of cavitation.

The design is robust and maintenance-friendly. The highly efficient electric motor is cooled by the surrounding water. The blades can easily be exchanged in case of damage . In addition, the water lubricated slide bearings are easily accessible for maintenance.The SCHOTTEL Rim Thruster SRT will be available in 2013 worldwide through the SCHOTTEL distribution network and, in the sectors of inland waterways and luxury yachts, through Van der Velden Marine Systems.